After my family and I recently visited a gravesite, we were disappointed to see how hard it was to read the headstone of our recently departed. In contrast, other headstones using the black lithochrome were easily readable. We agree with Brenda Keller and believe the policy should be changed so that all headstones should be painted.

If the VA is working toward a uniform appearance throughout each section of its National Cemeteries, the VA should follow the Texas General Land Office at four state veterans cemeteries that still use the black lithochrome.

Also, Arlington National Cemetery, as I saw on TV on Memorial Day, is still using the lithochrome.

Let's go back, so everyone with loved ones or relatives buried here at the beautiful Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will be able to read these headstones.

Kudos to the editorial staff of the Express-News for consistently giving us insightful and articulate editorials.

One recent editorial in particular, however, deserves special recognition (“Today, we honor the sacrifice of our soldiers,” May 27).

On Memorial Day, I was extremely pleased to read your compassionate and heartfelt tribute to the memory of all those who died in combat in past wars so the United States can remain the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The editorial was especially meaningful to me because I am one of many combat veterans of Vietnam who lost too many comrades in that war — comrades who did their jobs heroically until the end.

Sadly, many years went by before any of us, either survivors or those who sacrificed their all, received any recognition.

So many thanks for your thoughtful editorial that will help keep the memory of all our war heroes alive.

Democrats want to help people with every challenging aspect of their lives and want all the other people who have earned their subsistence to give a share to the Democrats and their many causes.

Republicans also want this and would gladly help every person on the planet. Just how and who pays for these noble deeds?

It is easy to be critical with an open, empty hand. But what about the person with self-control, who works hard to get an education?

The person who works years of extended hours to achieve success, takes responsibility for his or her children, abides by the laws, tries to live a healthy life, works extra or does without to pay his or her own bills; does he or she not deserve respect?

As for political parties, I think it is time that all the people in this country take a long, hard, evaluative look at the American political system.

With an open mind, you may realize that pretty much all the Democrats and the Republicans are bought and paid for by groups and people more powerful than any of us.